Servant Leadership Workshop

MIKE McGUFFEEMinisterial LeadershipHealthy Church Group

C.S.B.C.

Cornerstone International Christian Church La Puente CA

Servant Leadership… In too many churches today, head tables have replaced the towel and the wash-basin as symbols of leadership among God’s people.

Those who lead in God’s

Kingdom should lead

from a kneeling position,

dressed like a

servant, meeting

the needs of those

who follow them.

Leadership is the sphere of influence which inspires people to follow the leader in the attainment of mutually agreed upon goals.

The leader gives leadership by providing both the influence and inspiration that causes people to want to follow.

We understand servant leadership by looking at Jesus’ life. Jesus came as a servant:“who, although He existed in the form of

God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself,

taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”

Philippians 2:6-7

Servant Leadership…

God’s greatest oxymoron!

Oxymorons

Military IntelligenceExact estimateJumbo shrimpCloset exhibitionistAirline foodSoft rockFound missingPretty ugly

Working vacationState workerAlone togetherGovernment organizationGenuine imitationLegally drunkPassive aggressive

What, then, is a servant leader?

A servant leader is one who sees the needs of people and sets out to meet some of those needs.

Serving Christ As Lord

Doulos – Bond Slave — Our primary relationship to our Lord. This takes care of the vertical relationship.

Diakonos – Servant/Minister — Our relationship to those around us. This takes care of our horizontal relationship.

Biblical Qualifications Enhance Servant Leadership

1 Timothy 3…Christian dedication (3:8)Truthfulness in speech (3:8)Disciplined Christian living (3:8)Integrity in Christian conduct (3:9)Proven spiritual maturity (3:10)Christian family life (3:12)

Ministry Actions

Personally care for people.Exercise encouragement.Partner with other caregivers.Model a sacrificial spirit.Train for effective ministry.Organize for effective ministry.

The Seven Principles of Servant Leadership

Servant leaders humble themselves and wait for God to exalt them. Luke 14:7-11

Servant leaders follow Jesus rather than seek a position. Mark 10:32-40

Servant leaders give up personal rights to find greatness in service to others. Mark 10:41-45

The Seven Principlesof Servant Leadership

Servant leaders can risk serving others because they trust that God is in control of their lives. John 13:3

Servant leaders take up Jesus’ towel of servanthood to meet the needs of others. John 13:4-11

The Seven Principlesof Servant Leadership

Servant leaders share their responsibility and authority with others to meet a greater need. Acts 6:1-6

Servant leaders multiply their leadership by empowering others to lead. Exodus 18:17-23

A Basic Definitionof Leadership

A leaderis a

PERSON

PEOPLE

whoinfluences

DOING! PURPOSE

to accomplish

a

Church Growth…The result of God’s supernatural work through His people to accomplish His Kingdom’s purposes and of God’s people obeying His will and His word in the world.

Kingdom Principles

A Healthy Church

Is multi-dimensional Glorifies GodReproduces through evangelismProduces disciplesEnables its members to exercise their

spiritual gifts

A Healthy Church

Relates positively to its environmentIs open to changeAssimilates newcomersTrusts God

Rick Warren & Leith Anderson

Balanced Church Growth

Numerical growthSpiritual growthMinistries expansionMissions

Characteristics ofGrowth Leaders

Commitment to God’s leading Openness to proper change God size vision for the future Faith filled boldness Willingness to work in a team Living faith in God’s abilities Unselfish spirit Great Commission world view

Spiritual Growth…The process of cooperating with Christ in developing and living out Christ-likeness.

Ephesians 4:13

Spiritual Growth Principles

Is NOT inevitableTakes timeIs measured by God’s standardsIs intentionalOccurs rapidly and slowly

Can’t be kept a secretMakes use of good and bad timesStarts in present realityMotivated by a commitment to our Lord.

Areas of Spiritual Growth

Personal relationship to GodPersonal and corporate worshipHonoring others in interpersonal

relationshipsMinistry motivationChristian stewardship

Growth in Relationship to God

In being set apart to God as the priority of our life.

In being controlled by the Spirit of God.In developing spiritual fruit.In having the mind of Christ.In sharing in the mission of Christ.

Servant Leadership…Servant Leadership is recognizing God and others as MORE important than ourselves.

Serving God by serving others…

“Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor giving preference one to another.”

Romans 12:10

Values That Motivate UsMaterial

possessionsPublic recognitionPleasing someoneSense of

accomplishmentBeing a good

personInner harmonyFriendshipConcern for family

CompetitionBeing intelligentPursuit of wisdomExcitementImmediate gratificationFuture gratificationPersonal freedom

Our priority value…Pleasing God through finding and doing His will.

Levels of Commitment Response

CommitmentEnrollmentCompliance

– Genuine– Legal– Grudging

Apathy

Commitment Danger Signals

ProcrastinationDoubt about involvementResponding to inadequate motivatorsComplacencyLoss of purpose

Keys to Proper CommitmentGrowing personal relationship to our LordStrong feeling of God’s leadershipRealistic understanding of the

responsibilitiesSense of importance of the

tasksProper stewardship of time prioritiesFeeling of satisfaction and achievement

THREE MODELS OF CHURCH MINISTRIES

Watch the Minister

Help the Minister

Be the Minister - Ephesians 4:11-12

WHO IS THE MINISTER OF YOUR CHURCH?

YOU ARE!

Tasks of the Pastoral Ministry

PROCLAIM

CARE LEAD

Tasks of the Pastoral Ministry

To proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers.

To care for church members and other persons in the community.

To lead the church in achieving its mission.

PROCLAIM

CARE LEAD

Christ … left you an example for you to follow in His steps.

“…whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, …just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20: 26-28

The Purpose of Deacons In Your Church

What do you understand your Role to be as a Deacon?

The Purpose of Deacons

Are Deacons…• leaders or servants?• administrators or laborers?• spiritual or social?• necessary or optional?

THE MINISTRY OF A DEACON

The meaning of “deacon” diakanos servant, slave 35 times in New Testament 5 times “deacon” noun

The Origin of Deacons

“Select from among you… men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this ministry.”

Acts 6:3

Historical Synopsis of Deacon Ministry

New Testament and Early Centuries- servant leaders, discipleship, worship, solved fellowship issues

Middle Ages 500-1500- formal office, worship, clergy

Reformation 1600’s- servant leaders

Late 1700’s to Mid 1900’s -board of directors, business managers

Mid 1900’s to Present- family ministry, teams

The Requirements for Deacons

DEACON QUALIFICATIONS

Acts 6:1-7

1 Timothy 3:8-13

DEACON QUALIFICATIONSACTS 6:1-7

1. A Believer v.32. A Good Reputation v.33. Spirit-Filled v.34. Full of Wisdom v.3

DEACON QUALIFICATIONS1 TIMOTHY 3:8-13

5. Dignity v.86. Speech v.87. Addictions v.88. Greed v.89. Holding to the mystery of the faith v.9

DEACON QUALIFICATIONS1 TIMOTHY 3:8-13

10. Clear Conscience v.911. Tested v.1012. Beyond Reproach v.1013. Husband of One Wife v.1214. Good Manager of their Children and

Household v.12

A GODLY DEACON GROWING IN HIS

WALK 1.Saved 2.Spirit

Filled 3.Servant 4.Supportive

A GODLY DEACON

GROUNDED IN THE WORD

1.Know 2.Apply 3.Live

A GODLY DEACON

GLOWING IN HIS WITNESS

Stephen Acts 7Phillip “the evangelist”

A GODLY DEACON

GIFTED IN HIS WORK

S.piritual Gifts H.eart A.bilities P.ersonality E.xperience

The Roles of Deacons

THE ROLE OF DEACONS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS?BUSINESS MANAGERS?PASTORAL MINISTERS?

Deacon Ministry Is Pastoral Ministry?

“Pastoral ministries is a term that refers to guiding, protecting, feeding, and nourishing a church in order that the church may grow, develop, and reproduce itself in the world…

pastoral ministries in a church is implemented primarily through the pastor,

staff, deacons and church council.”

Organizing Deacons for Ministry

Deacon ministry is one of the most complex areas of ministry in the church.

Deacons address every area of pastoral ministry: bereavement, administration, hospital ministry, family ministry, spiritual development, evangelism, new member orientation.

Deacon ministry is based on needs ministry.

Tasks of the Pastoral Ministry

PROCLAIM

CARE LEAD

Tasks of the Pastoral Ministry

To proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers.

To care for church members and other persons in the community.

To lead the church in achieving its mission.

PROCLAIM

CARE LEAD

THE ROLE OF DEACONS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS?BUSINESS MANAGERS?PASTORAL MINISTERS?DEACON MINISTRY TEAMS!

What is a Ministry Team?

A ministry team is a group of Christians joined in a cooperative effort to minister to a specific need in the church or community

Characteristics of a Ministry Team

Focused on meeting a need

Last only as long as the need exists

Open to involving any volunteers

Advantages of Deacon Led Ministry Teams

Individual choice of assignments

Cooperation with other deacons

Invitation for the congregation to participate

Identify Needs in the Church and Community

1. Physical needs

2. Intellectual/Mental Needs

3. Emotional Needs

4. Spiritual Needs

Transition to Team Ministry Identify current functions performed

– Example: Hospital visitation Ordinances Grief ministry Shut-in visitation

Allow each deacon to volunteer to lead only one function

Develop Teams from deacon volunteers Enlist and train membership to assist Add new functions as needed

Practical Suggestions to Increase Team Ministry

Focus on serving people

Encourage servants to enlist others to help

Share the need in public meetings

Encourage members to ask for help

Emphasize on-the-job training

Practical Benefits of Deacon Led Ministry Teams

Personal choice of assignmentsFlexibility in the ministries offeredExpanded workforcePositive influence in the churchOther deacon styles may be includedPeople needs are better metPractical witness in the community

RESPONSIBILITIESOF DEACONS

Servant Models in the Church

1.Worship 2.Fellowship 3.Evangelism 4.Ministry 5.Discipleship

From Deacons Servant Models in the Church by Henry Webb

RESPONSIBILITIESOF DEACONS

Servant Models in the Church Building Healthy Relationships 1.Pastor-Deacon 2.Deacon-Deacon 3.Deacon-Congregation Ministering to needs

From Deacons Servant Models in the Church by Henry Webb

MINISTRY TO THE BEREAVED

Power of PresenceListenPractical ServiceFollow-up

Understanding Grief

Grief, although unique to every person, brings a different reaction from every

person.

Ministry To The Grieving

• Use the power of your presence.• Provide practical support.• Provide spiritual support.

Ministry To The GrievingWhat can you say to the bereaved?

• Do say your are sorry.• Do say, “I do not know why this

happened, but I do know God loves you.”

• Do allow them to express their grief.• Do allow them to talk as much as they

want.

Ministry To The Grieving

What can you say to the bereaved?• Do give attention to other family

members. Especially the children.• Do pray.• Do call or visit often afterwards.• Do make contact on the one-year

anniversary of the death of the loved one.

Ministry To The Grieving

What you should not do or say.• Don’t avoid the bereaved.• Don’t say, “I understand.”• Don’t tell stories.• Don’t cry.• Don’t say, “God has a purpose in this.”

Ministry To The Grieving

What you should not do or say.• Don’t say you ought to be feeling better

by now.• Don’t say anything.• Don’t avoid mentioning the deceased’s

name.• Don’t ignore the family and act as if

nothing has happened.

Ministry To The Grieving

What you should not do or say.• Don’t point out at least they have someone

else to take the deceased’s place.• Don’t say, “let me know if I can help.”• Don’t suggest they did not get proper

medical care.

The Grief Cycle

ReorganizationPainAngerConfusionAnxietyDenial

PROTEST

DESPAIR

AnguishDepressionDistress

DETACHMENT

AC

CEP

TAN

CE

ApathyIsolationResignationWithdrawal

PeaceReleaseRenewalUnderstanding

Death of a loved one

MINISTRY INCONFLICT

Peacemakers - Matt.5:9

Seek Reconciliation - Matt.5:23ff

Loving Confrontation - Matt.18:15ff

The purposes of conflict management are to end the conflict and restore or reconcile people who are in dispute.

Ministry to People in Crisis

During times of crisis, people are more open to and accepting of ministry efforts in their behalf. Therefore, this is a prime time to communicate

a positive Christian witness.

CrisisAny event or set of circumstances which threatens a person’s sense of well-being and

interferes with his usual routine.

MINISTRY INCRISIS

Reach Out

Resources within the Church

Resources outside the Church

Encourage

MINISTRY INEVANGELISM

Lifestyle

Testimony

Plan of Salvation

Ministry Is...A ministry that provides a natural

opportunity for witnessing to non-Christians.

A ministry that can serve as a natural communication channel for the church.

MINISTRY TO THEILL

Human touch

Listening

Empathy

Prayer

Prepare for the Hospital Visit

Plan for spiritual ministry…Hospital ministry is a time for serious, well-planned visitation.

Imagine yourself in the other person’s situation…Gather all the information that you can about the patient, and their family. How serious is the illness?

Prepare for the Hospital Visit

Get in touch with your own feelings…It is important to be natural with this ministry opportunity. Be more concerned about the patient’s feelings than your own.

Heed Hospital Signs

Visiting Hours…Observe the hours set by the hospital.

The “No Visitors” Sign…Check at the nurse’s station.

Heed Hospital Signs

The Light…Make sure the patient’s needs are met before entering.

The Closed Door…Knock before entering, you are entering someone’s bedroom.

Heed Hospital Signs

The Sleeping Patient…It could be the patient needs his rest more than a visit.

Name Tags…You will get appreciative response from those recognizing the importance of your visit.

Let Medical Care Take Priority…Doctor or Nurse.

Minister To The Patient

Do position yourself where the patient can have easy eye contract with you. (Don’t stand on the oxygen cord.)

Do be sensitive to the patient’s comfort.Don’t touch the patient unless he or she

offers to shake hands.Don’t give medical advice, or interpret

medical equipment.

Minister to the Patient

Don’t visit if you are sick, call instead.Don’t rush the visit.Don’t stay too long.Do watch for visitor overload.

Minister to the Patient

Do speak to others, and if it is a semi-private room speak to the other patient.

Do listen more than you talk.Do remember you are there in a pastoral

role.Do respect the prayer needs of the patient,

and remember to pray for the other patient.

Minister to the Patient

Do follow-up after the patient is at home.Do visit every member that is assigned to

you who is hospitalized.Don’t make commitments you cannot

fulfill.Do wash your hands after each visit.

Ministry To The Dying

Always tell the truth.Never set inflexible times.Always listen with sensitivity.Find ways to respond to needs.Minister to the Caregiver.

Ministry To The Dying

Never allow the dying person to feel abandoned.

Be as available as possible, within necessary limits.

Never give medical advice or interpret medical opinions.

Ministry To The Dying

If necessary, protect the person from harming himself or herself.

Always hold out hope, at least in God’s love.

Provide consistent, spiritual support.

Ministry To The Dying

“In our own pride we like to think we can control our own destiny. The reality is

that nothing in this world is certain. True security and stability come only from

trusting in God.”

MINISTRY OFJOY

Rejoicing

Honoring

Encouraging

Care Ministry Is Meeting Needs

Go Do It!

THEEND